I actually think that the first birthday is the hardest to shop for when it comes to kids birthdays. Sure they won’t remember it, but what do you get a 1 year old? It seems like there is plenty you can buy a newborn, and 2 year olds are more into toys which makes it easier, but 1 is just hard. Not really a baby, but not yet a toddler. Well there are plenty of gifts you can buy that parents and baby will love, so here they are:
Dolls/Stuffed Animals
Kids this age loved animals and dolls to love on. When Maddie Grace was this age she was obsessed with a stuffed baby version of Elf on the Shelf… even though it was April. Tripp prefers his buddy Pierre the bunny from Blabla, which I love because they are an Atlanta based company who makes these awesome knit dolls. Tripp wants to take his everywhere he crawls and he sleeps with it in his crib every night. Snuggled up exactly like this each time. I think it’s so sweet and love how he loves on his doll!
Books
1 year olds love to read, but there are certain books that are better than others for this age. I would stick with board books, and ones with big pictures and not too many words. Flaps and peak-a-boo books are always a big hit with this age range. Our favorite books right now for Tripp are Peek-A-Who? and Where is Baby’s Belly Button?
Baby Instruments
Babies and toddlers both love playing with little instruments, and it’s good for their brain development! Every baby needs a good instrument set and they will keep using it in the years to come. This Melissa & Doug set one is great and comes with all the essentials!
Blocks
We actually never had little building blocks with Maddie Grace as a baby. I just got her some for Christmas, and we quickly realized Tripp is actually the one who loves them! Blocks would make a great first birthday gift – I especially love these mega blocks and these blocks with cute pictures and nursery rhyme quotes on them!
Teepee
We have a teepee tent in our playroom and Tripp thinks it’s the coolest thing ever. He loves to crawl in there with some toys and hang out, or him and Maddie Grace go in there and play ‘school’. Plus teepees are cute so I like the way it looks too! This one is a great price and perfect for a boy or girl!
Kitchen
I thought that Tripp was way too young for a play kitchen but ever since around 9 months Tripp has been obsessed with ours. He stands by it and opens the door and puts things in and out. And I know he will continue to like playing with it as he gets older. We’ve had the Kidkraft vintage kitchen for over a year now and we love it!
Chair
For both of my kids around one year is around when they would start wanting to sit in a little baby chair. Given it’s not for long periods of time, but for little TV breaks or reading they are great to have around! I’m making sure to get Tripp a dark colored one like this great one I found because snack breaks can get messy!
Seriously, how is this sweet boy going to be one in less than a week?!?
And now I’d love for one of you to win $56 from Blabla kids, which is just the right amount for a regular sized doll! Just enter using the form below – good luck!
He’s just the cutest! Love all of these great baby toys, especially the teepee!
I would totally give the Blabla doll to my baby girl!
I would like to give one to my daughter
One year already?! Time flies. Everything on your list is perfect! We have many of the items listed and have been great for this age. Parker will be 2 next month. Wahhh.
Awww…my daughter loves her Wooly BlaBla animal and we’d love to have one for my nine-month old son (he hates pacifiers and blankets but is OBSESSED with sleeping with stuffed animals)!
I would give this to my niece.
Can’t believe he’s already a year old!! I would love a doll for Leo 🙂
These are great gift ideas! I love BlaBla dolls, going to enter now!
I would love to give one of these to my grandchildren!!
I love all things Bla Bla!! And he definitely needs that kitchen. Henry plays with Evelyn’s more than she does!
Love this! These gifts are great for beyond the first birthday too! I’ve been wanting to get one of those teepees for the kids too!
I would definitely give a BlaBla doll to my friend who is expecting a little girl!
Such great ideas! I love that BlaBla doll!
I would give this to my 6 month old grandson Mikey!
to my daughter
I’d like to give it to my future foster child.
I would give it to our new baby girl arriving in June!
I’d give a doll to my cousin who has just had a beautiful baby girl. Thank you!
my daughter would love this doll.
My granddaughter Violet would just adore the doll.
It looks so soft and cuddly
I would give this to my cousin’s little girl. I love it! Thanks!
I would give it to my 4 yr old granddaughter, she would love one of these dolls.
I would give the doll to my niece
I would give it to my baby when she arrives in march
I would give this to my daughter who just turned 1 on Monday!
I would like to give a doll to my friend’s daughter
I would give this to little doll to my little man.